What is FIS?

Article Number: 7 | Last Updated: Thu, May 30, 2019 1:21 PM

FIS is the International Ski Federation.

To obtain a FIS registration you must hold a current U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor membership (U16 & over or U15 &over) and be a U.S. citizen. Masters must hold an U.S. Ski & Snowboard Masters membership to obtain a Masters FIS license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must register for FIS with your home nation's ski federation. It is best to register for both U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS together. You may not register for FIS without a current U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor membership. To register for both U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS go to my.ussa.org.

After registering for a FIS License, you must wait for the next valid FIS list to obtain your FIS number and to be able to enter any FIS event. To be assured of appearing on the next available FIS list, your completed registration must be received by U.S. Ski & Snowboard Member Services at least 7 days prior to the closing date of that list. Registrations received inside that 7 day period are not guaranteed to appear on the next list.

A FIS license means an athlete will appear on the FIS points list and be seeded by their FIS points. Early Bird Registration closes on August 15th. A late fee will apply if registering after August 15th. No exceptions are made to the late fee, so please register for both your USSA and FIS registrations prior to the August 15th deadline.

FIS does not send out a membership card. FIS numbers may be found in your my U.S. Ski & Snowboard account at my.ussa.org.

Athletes who have registered for FIS are not guaranteed access to FIS events. Athletes must qualify through their home state, division or region; each local entity has its own procedures. Please call your coach with questions. If you can’t get an answer contact your division office or let me know, but please check with your coach first.

In order to compete in a FIS race you must have the following: 1) A valid U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Competitor membership, including any division or state dues and 2) A valid FIS license (explained below).

Although FIS racing is “international racing”, it starts in your home region. As you improve you may continue on to national and international events. Your coach should be able to help determine if you are in a position to enter FIS events and therefore will need to be FIS registered.

First year FIS athletes are not permitted to compete in the southern hemisphere. First year FIS athletes may train in the southern hemisphere, but not compete.